On April 12, 1980, Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope with a goal that was deeply personal, to raise $1 million to fund a cure for all cancers.
Four decades later, each of us has been impacted and challenged by the global pandemic to show our own resilience.
Terry’s brother Fred Fox says it’s important now more then ever to keep the dream alive.
“Cancer doesn’t take any breaks. Even though we’re dealing with a pandemic, cancer is still hitting people. So research can’t take a break either and it’s so important for people to create their fundraising pages and still donate to cancer research in Terry’s name.”
Fred says it’s important to remember at this time that anything is possible, “Last year we were asking people to ‘Try Like Terry’ and this year we’re saying ‘What’s Your Biggest Try’. We’re asking people what’s your biggest try this year. What can they do that will be their part to do exactly what Terry would have wanted us to do and trying as hard as they can.”
Fred Fox stresses it’s an amazing legacy, noting Terry started something amazing and so many people have been involved going on 41 years to keep his dream and legacy alive.
“Very determined and a hard worker and not the best athlete or best student in class. He worked harder then anybody else. And getting a cancer diagnosis at 18 years old that persisted. He worked hard to learn how to walk again.”
Fred notes the world of cancer research, and especially those who are fighting cancer, have faced a uniquely difficult year throughout COVID-19.
“Terry was our inspiration. Terry was our example that anything is possible if you try. That’s exactly what Terry said in a press conference. He said ‘anything is possible if you try.’”
Fred stresses we have come too far to let the progress and momentum in cancer research falter.
Fred says no decision has made on how Terry Fox runs will operate this year.
Fred Fox talks about what this day means to him and his family:
For more information on Terry Fox runs or to make a donation visit Terry Fox Foundation
